Brian Anthony Padilla

We mourn the tragic loss of our beloved Brian Anthony Padilla, age 36, who went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 6, 2025. We find it difficult to imagine a world without his kindness, his infectious laugh, or his gentle and intentional spirit. But we take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the lasting impressions he made on all who knew him. Born on January 30, 1989, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Brian entered the world as a joy-filled baby who would grow into a rambunctious and adventurous little boy and adolescent. As a man, he had every gift but the length of years, and left behind an immeasurable impact. Brian’s years, though short, were immensely full—full of an accomplished athletic career, full of a lifetime love for sports and competition, full of a passion for food, cooking, and hospitality, and full of a desire for personal development and meaningful experiences. He approached life with enthusiasm and zest, always seeking wisdom, knowledge, and connection with others. An introspective thinker and avid reader, Brian committed himself to the pursuit of personal and spiritual growth, driven by a profound desire to prioritize the well-being of others above his own. He was a loving and devoted son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. His absence leaves a void too powerful to comprehend, but how we shall laugh at the trouble of parting, when we meet again. Brian is survived and deeply loved by his parents, Ray and Marcia Padilla, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; his sister, Brittany, and brother-in-law, Shane Williams, of Houston, Texas; his adoring young nephew and nieces, George, Smith, and Press Williams, who affectionately call him “Jack Jack”; his grandmother, Zenaida Padilla, of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and his family of many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. Brian is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Reyes Padilla; his maternal grandmother, Rachel Wagner Ronan; and his maternal grandfather, Edward Ronan. May we honor Brian’s precious memory by living with the same kindness, joy, and passion for life that he shared with us all. Please join us in celebrating Brian’s beautiful life. A rosary will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 7, at El Santuario de Guadalupe, 100 South Guadalupe St., in Santa Fe. A Celebration of Life will take place at noon on Tuesday, April 8, at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th St. NW in Albuquerque, in the Roy E. Disney Center for Performing Arts’ Bank of America Theatre. A luncheon reception will follow in the cultural center’s Salón Ortega.